King James Version

What Does 1 John 2:4 Mean?

1 John 2:4 in the King James Version says “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” — study this verse from 1 John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

1 John 2:4 · KJV

Truth

Context

2

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

3

And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.

4

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

5

But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

6

He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Read 1 John 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. John applies the test from verse 3 negatively, exposing false profession. "He that saith" (ho legōn) addresses verbal claims to know God—religious profession without reality. The present participle indicates habitual claiming, not a single statement. Yet this profession is contradicted by action: "keepeth not his commandments" (tas entolas autou mē tērōn)—the negative present participle indicates ongoing, habitual disobedience.

The verdict is severe: "is a liar" (pseustēs estin). This isn't merely mistaken or confused—it's deliberate falsehood. Claiming to know God while living in disobedience is self-deception at best, willful deception at worst. The claim and the conduct contradict each other; conduct reveals the truth. "The truth is not in him" (hē alētheia ouk estin en autō) indicates more than intellectual error—the living reality of God's truth hasn't penetrated and transformed the heart.

This test demolishes easy-believism and nominal Christianity. Many claim to know God—they've prayed a prayer, attend church, or affirm orthodox doctrine. But if their lives are characterized by habitual disobedience, their profession is false. Genuine knowledge of God transforms character and conduct. This doesn't mean perfection—believers struggle with sin (1 John 1:8-2:1). But the trajectory is obedience, not rebellion; when believers sin, they confess and repent rather than persist defiantly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The gap between religious profession and ethical practice was widespread in the ancient world. Pagan religion was primarily ritualistic—offering sacrifices, attending festivals, reciting formulas—with minimal moral expectations. Some philosophers emphasized ethics but separated it from worship of the gods. Judaism emphasized both faith and obedience, yet prophets repeatedly condemned Israel for honoring God with lips while hearts were far from Him (Isaiah 29:13).

The Gnostic crisis John addressed explicitly divorced knowing God from obeying Him. Gnostics claimed secret knowledge (gnōsis) elevated them above moral law. Some practiced asceticism (despising the body); others practiced libertinism (arguing physical actions didn't affect spiritual purity). Both rejected the connection between true knowledge and transformed conduct.

Church history repeatedly witnesses the tension between profession and practice. Medieval Catholicism battled nominal Christianity—masses professing faith while living pagan lifestyles. The Reformation emphasized that genuine faith produces good works, though works don't earn salvation. Puritan divinity developed detailed practical tests of grace to help believers examine whether their profession was genuine. John's simple test remains timeless: those who know God keep His commandments.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you examine whether your Christian profession is backed by genuine obedience or is merely verbal?
  2. What's the difference between struggling with sin (while pursuing obedience) and habitually disobeying (while claiming to know God)?
  3. How should churches apply this test without becoming judgmental or fostering self-righteous legalism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὁ1 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λέγων,2 of 19

“He that saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἔγνωκα3 of 19

“I know”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

αὐτοῦ4 of 19

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ5 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰς6 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐντολὰς7 of 19

“commandments”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

αὐτοῦ8 of 19

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

μὴ9 of 19

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τηρῶν10 of 19

“keepeth”

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

ψεύστης11 of 19

“a liar”

G5583

a falsifier

ἔστιν·12 of 19

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

καὶ13 of 19

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν14 of 19

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τούτῳ15 of 19

“him”

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

ἡ16 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀλήθεια17 of 19

“the truth”

G225

truth

οὐκ18 of 19

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν·19 of 19

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 John 2:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 John 2:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 John 1:6Titus 1:16James 2:14-161 John 1:81 John 4:20Hosea 8:2-3

Test Your Knowledge

1 John 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter1 John Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read 1 John 2 with CommentaryAll 1 John ChaptersComplete 1 John QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes